ADVANCED TESTS FOR DRIVERS

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29268, 28 July 1960, Page 17

ADVANCED TESTS FOR DRIVERS

Proposals Not Accepted

The institution of advanced driving tests for motor vehicle drivers, and L plates for learner motorists, similar to those in use for motor-cyclists, were recommendations made by a sub-com-mittee to a meeting of the Christchurch Metropolitan Road Safety Committee last evening. After considerable discussion both proposals, which were to have been forwarded to the Government for consideration, were defeated when put to the full committee.

There was considerable merit in aspects of the recommendation, said the chairman (Mr A. R. Kiddey). The period of time from when a driver first got his licence until he attained 70 years of age —when annual tests were compulsory—was far too long.

The sub-committee took the view that if the advanced tests attracted only a few drivers interested in furthering their skill, it would have achieved something, said Mr H. G. R. Sedgley. It could be introduced as a voluntary measure at first, he said. The test envisaged would require the driver to have a proper knowledge of road regulations, have absolute control of his vehicle, anticipation, alertness, and courtesy and in general attain a high standard of driving skill, Mr Sedgley said.

The recommendation to the Minister of Transport, that advanced driving tests, compulsory or voluntary, be introduced was then put to the meeting and lost by four votes to six. The recommendation on L plates for learner motorists was lost by eight votes to two. Recommendations to the Government which were supported by the meeting were that road regulations and rules be kept to a minimum and existing regulations be revised with a view to simplification; and that spacing bars be painted on various main traffic routes, particularly in 50 miles an hour areas, which would enable drivers to estimate their distance behind other vehicles. Three-lane Highways A three-lane system on New Zealand highways, with the middle lane to be used only for overtaking vehicles was advocated by the sub-committee and its 'recommendation to the full committee was passed by a narrow majority. Mr D. L. Hogan, district officer of the Transport Department, said overtaking was the second most dangerous manoeuvre to crossing an intersection, and although the three-lane system was very popular -in other countries, other countries had a very much higher accident rate than New Zealand. He said he would sooner see fourlane highways in New Zealand. “Much to my disgust the City Council is going to experiment with three-lane highways in Christchurch in the near future,” said Mr G. P. Kellar, the traffic superintendent

Golf

RICHMOND HILL LADIES’ CLUB. —-Semi-final Hamilton Cup knock-out handicap: Mrs E. Hay ton beat Mrs W. P. Bennett, 4 and 2; Mrs G. M. Dalzell beat Mrs J. R. Unwin, 1 up. WAIMAIRI BEACH LADIES’ CLUB.—Stroke match: Mrs E. Ballinger, 105. 27—78; Miss M. Williams, 114, 35—79; Mrs L. D. Gobbe, 107. 28—79.